Kateplaysbass

So as well as the gorgeous custom short scale, I have a few other shorties and would be happy to bring any that people want to try (subject to still having them - a couple of these are up for sale!): Maruszczyk Jake 4P Spector Bantam Atelier Baby Z PJ Eastwood Airline Map Nordstrand Acinonyx Amp-wise, it's Ashdown all the way - CTM 30 and ABM300, with 1x15 and 2x10 cabs. I'd be interested in seeing the Lakland Duck Dunn 😀

I have one, though it's been defretted. I play it very rarely - picked it up on a whim because I thought I ought to have a short scale fretless and I've always liked BC instruments, but in practice I don't play fretless very often. The body is tiny - feels a bit like a toy - but the sound is huge by comparison. Strung with flats, it is great for a vintage sound. The placing of the strap button is bizarre and would probably annoy me more if I was playing it for more than a song or two at a time, but as I'm not, I haven't bothered thinking about workarounds.

Better late than never.....I bought a custom short scale from Mike a few weeks ago. Picked it up in person and got a very warm welcome from him and Mrs Scrumpy. Great communication prior to that, and a fantastic bass as well. Highly recommended.

Thanks Mike - I've only just discovered this part of the forum. The bass is fantastic - it gets a big thumbs up from the rest of the band, and they've heard me play, ahem, quite a few basses! See you in October!

Put my name down! I might bring along a certain custom build short scale 😉 Love it, by the way!

That's really helpful, thanks. I hadn't considered the 35JX-CS, but that could work well.

I've got a Spector Bantam 4 (short scale) which in many ways is a great bass, but somehow I've never fallen in love with the sound. Pretty sure this is because the stock pickups (EMG DCs) are just not right for the sound I like and the kind of music I play. Having done a bit of research, I think I'd be better off with EMG CS / CSX, because I like a warm, bassy sound. Does that sound right? And if so, I have a few questions. What's the difference between CS and CSX? Should I replace both, or keep one of the DCs for more tonal variation? If the latter, which position should I put the CS in? (I say I, but it is not going to be me actually doing it 😉). How big a job is it? They are the same size, so I'm hoping fairly straightforward? Do I need to worry about whether it is compatible with the preamp (EMG BTC)? Anything else I should know/ have thought of? Apologies for the very basic questions - I'm fairly new to all of this!

@TeatroLirico good question! When I was playing in a different band, trying to get a Duck Dunn-type sound, it was the Acinonyx, because the sound was perfect, it was so light and easy to play, and I didn't need masses of tonal variation. Right now, I think it's the Maruszczyck, because it sounds great, and still pretty light and comfortable. But versatility isn't its strongest point, and replying to your last post has made me think about whether it's worth replacing one or both of the pickups in the Spector, so thanks for that 😄

I have one of these too, and so much of your review had me nodding enthusiastically! This is hands down the most effortless bass I've ever played - combination of the (lack of) weight, slim neck, and an action that almost seems to play itself. I used to be in a band that played a lot of Booker T covers, and with La Bella flats, played through my Ashdown CTM30 and 115 cab, it was perfect. But that band has now sadly folded, and the Cat just seems to get lost in the mix with my new band, which is much louder. Any tips gratefully received, because I really miss playing it!

Hi @TeatroLirico I've only had the Maruszczyck a month, so I'm just getting to know it. First impressions are that the build quality is excellent - it looks, feels, and plays like a class instrument, although I think the specs are pretty much entry level. In terms of sound - it's a classic P bass, and it does that very well, but obviously it doesn't have the same range of tones as some basses. That said, I'm actually quite impressed with how much variation you do get from the tone pot. It's got the best sustain of any short scale I've played. The Spector is also a quality instrument, and it's more versatile, tone-wise, plus it's very comfortable to play (great neck) and wear, with easy access to the upper frets (not that I need them very often, but we do have All Right Now in the setlist!). All that said, I've not 100% bonded with it, which I think is probably just a personal thing. The sound isn't quite as warm as the NS-94 I had when I played long scales, and I think subconsciously I was expecting a short scale version of that! I think basically I might not have worked out how to get the best sound out of it, especially in a band setting. Be really interested to hear a review of the Acinonyx if you get one - I imagine a fretless version would be sublime!

Hi everyone just thought I'd introduce myself. I've been playing bass for about 4 years, and I'm based near the Herefordshire/ Gloucestershire border. I play short scales, and I'm currently mostly playing a Maruszczyck Jake P bass and a Spector Bantam, though I also have a Nordstrand Acinonyx which I used in a previous band, which is now sadly no more. Ashdown heads/ cabs. I'm currently in a band playing 60s-00s covers at local pubs, festivals etc. Still feel very much a beginner compared to most people on here, so looking forward to learning from you all! Kate